Apicotermes Nest-builder vs European Dampwood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Apicotermes Nest-builder European Dampwood Termite
Scientific Name Apicotermes arquieri Kalotermes flavicollis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Kalotermitidae
Size 3-5 mm 6–9 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions West Africa, Central Africa Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Apicotermes Nest-builder

A subterranean soil-feeding termite found in African forests, renowned for building the most architecturally complex nests of any termite. The underground nests feature precisely constructed spiral staircases, ramps, and ventilation shafts. Workers are blind and entirely subterranean.

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Did You Know?

The internal architecture of Apicotermes nests features spiral ramps and precisely spaced ventilation holes that rival human engineering in their sophistication.

European Dampwood Termite

The most widespread termite in Europe, inhabiting dead branches of oaks and other broadleaf trees. Colonies are small, typically with a few hundred individuals.

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Did You Know?

It is the only termite native to most of Europe and has been known since Aristotle first described termites.